Free Parks for the People – A History of Birmingham’s Municipal Parks, 1844-1974

Carl Chinn

Birmingham’s parks are a gift that has been
passed on to us thanks to the efforts of four distinct groups. The first
comprises generous upper class and upper middle class philanthropists of a
variety of backgrounds and beliefs. The second embraces preachers like George
Dawson and Robert Dale, who propounded the Civic Gospel. The third is the
Council. In its early years and with a few honourable exceptions it was
dominated by councillors with a miserable attitude to civic life. Thankfully
they were eventually replaced by dynamic councillors who enthusiastically took
up the Civic Gospel so as to provide municipal facilities for Birmingham’s
people. The fourth group was a hardy and resourceful band of working-class
activists who were resolved to improve life for their fellows. Together these
groups succeeded in providing free parks for the people. They have left us a
wonderful legacy that we should cherish.